Firefly

by Philippa Dowding

Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award 2021 | Winner of the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award 2022 | SYRCA Snow Willow 2023/2024 shortlist | MYRCA Northern Lights 2023 shortlist | Rocky Mountain Book Awards 2023 shortlist | OLA Forest of Reading Red Maple Award 2022 nominee | IODE Violet Downey Award 2022 shortlist
Firefly lives in the park across from her mother's home. It's safer there. But after the Bad Night happens and her mother is taken away, Social Services sends Firefly to live with her Aunt Gayle. She hardly knows Gayle, but discovers that she owns a costume shop, The Corseted Lady.

Yes, Firefly might get used to taking baths, sleeping on a bed again and wearing as many costumes as she can to school.

But where is home? What is family? Who is Firefly, for that matter...and which costume is the real one?

Genres: Canada, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Mental Health, Juvenile, Coming Of Age

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 2021

About the author

Philippa Dowding is an author, poet, and composer/musician based in Toronto. She is the winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, Young People's Literature, Text, and the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, for her book FIREFLY.

Philippa was a writer early in life, and began writing poetry and short stories at age nine. She studied English Language & Literature at Western University in London, Ontario, and completed an M.A. in English at The University of Toronto. Soon after graduating, she began her professional writing life as a copywriter in the magazine and newspaper industry, where she won many industry awards.

When she had a family, she began telling bedtime stories to her children. One story, about a lost gargoyle living in a child's backyard in downtown Toronto, became her first published book in The Lost Gargoyle series.

Philippa has won literary nominations across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, including the Diamond Willow, Hackmatack, Silver Birch, Red Cedar and Red Maple awards. Her third book, The Gargoyle at the Gates, was named a White Raven Book by the International Youth Library in Munich.

NEW BOOK: The Love Song of Mr. Byrd is coming this fall!

Visit Philippa's website for more about her books, poetry, and music: http://pdowding.com/

Reviews

[Karen Upper · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so many emotions were involved as l read through this latest story by author Philippa Dowding.

Firefly, seems like an odd title for a book, but as the reader becomes immersed with each turning page, it soon becomes evident that the character formerly known as Fifi is on an intense life’s journey, where she is constantly tested and apprehension becomes a constant companion.

As characters are introduced, from Juggers, Aunt Gayle, Moss Cart the reader will realize that all supporting cast members enrich the tapestry that slowly becomes the blanket that will envelop Firefly and her new path in life.

Firefly has a strength and a feistiness that is tempered with an innocence that culminates in her displaying a wisdom far beyond her years.

Accepting help of any kind is a stumbling block for Firefly. However as she learns to trust, she blossoms and shines like the firefly she loves.

This narrative is unique, impactful and emotion.... from beginning to end.

Highly Recommended !!!

Five ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[lauryn budweth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ this book i thought was going to be not so great but once i read it i felt the meaning and purpose of the story, it was very heart breaking all the way through but i’m very happy i read it. it’s a very quick read and this book will always be important to me.

[s · Rating 2 out of 5]

cliché and mediocre
the dialogue was plain
i usually never have a problem with reading a book written in first person pov but this one was just not it 👹😕😓🙏
had no clue what the basic plot was until i was about 45% into the book (and this book is only 200 pages jfjdjdj)

[J.B Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its sad, but it shows you the real life of a child living on the streets with drug addicts. Beautiful book!

[Lana Button · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!

[American Mensa]

Firefly is a story about a young girl who had a challenging childhood and is now trying to find her way in the world. Firefly and her mother didn't have the best relationship, at least after her dad left. After the cops came and took her mother, Firefly had to stay with her Aunt Gayle, who owns a costume shop called the Corseted Lady. They get to know each other and after a brief time, Firefly starts school again, and her aunt even lets her wear the costumes to school. She meets many new people and even makes a new friend, Charles, who, like her, also went through a tough childhood. After all the time she spent in Jennie’s, which is a therapy place, she needs to find out who she is again. This story uncovers the truth about her life before she lived with her aunt. It also includes everything that happened in her old life, like living in the streets when her home wasn’t safe for her or when her mother, Joanne was drunk or even just angry at her.

I think that this book is mainly for teens. I believe the author provides readers who have had a hard life some comfort in knowing that others go through troubled times too and gives others a glimpse into harsh realities that some kids endure. The book is enlightening and invokes empathy in the reader.
Reviewed by Ashlynne N., 13, North Texas Mensa

[Maureen Marovitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firefly, 13, has been put into care at her Aunt Gayle's house after the terrible night her mother was taken away by the police. The novel follows Firefly trying to adjust to a new life above her aunt's costume shop after surviving a childhood of homelessness and a mom prone to drug abuse. Firefly struggles to trust her aunt and a more predictable life, all while adjusting to a new school and dealing with the trauma she's trying to suppress. The costume shop, its zany staff and incredible array of costumes become part of Firefly's healing. Firefly is a likeable, strong character you'll want to stick by on this journey.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firefly ultimately brings hope to the reader. As I started this book I thought it was another in the parade of books whose theme is mental health. However, while the protagonist is dealing with her own trauma, as well as learning to come to terms with the mental health isssues of her mother, the book is more than that. In the end it is about love and friendship. It is about the reslience of people who with patience and the aforementioned love and friendship can heal.

[Mahtab Narsimhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dowding has done such a fantastic job with the character of Firefly as well as the supporting cast of Aunt Gayle, Charlie and others. Heartbreaking yet hopeful.

[Aspeŋ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an awesome book, I read this for red maple and its definitely in my top 3

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great "J" book! Four and a half stars. Not surprised it won the GG. If I was ten or twelve I'd love this book and it warmed the young girl inside me. "Firefly" is a thirteen-year-old living girl living on the street (most of the time) in downtown Toronto. When she is finally apprehended by the authorities and her negligent addicted mother is imprisoned, Firefly goes to live with her aunt who owns a huge costume business. (Surprisingly The Corseted Lady is based on a real business owned by the author's sister-in-law although it seemed the most unlikely aspect of the story.) The combination of gentle security and access to all those wonderful costumes would have huge appeal to any young girl. Dowding describes the trauma of life on the street and recovery from it with authenticity but gently and with compassion. Her characters are rendered with much humanity, even the overworked hard-assed social worker who could easily have been the villain of the piece. It takes a real gift to render a situation like the one in this book into a beautiful hopeful story in which the reader savours every minute. Great book!

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Firefly! It is a touching story of a young girl that has experienced trauma but finds a safe spot to land with her amazing aunt, who happens to run a super fun costume shop.

However, my "issue" with Firefly is I'm not sure who the audience is. It looks and reads like a middle grade novel in appearance, font-size, writing style, etc. However the storyline, triggering content, and age of main characters, etc. make it appropriate for an older audience. Unfortunately, I don't think this gem of a novel is going to land with the readers who need it.

Firefly is a 2023 MYRCA Northern Lights nominee.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Philippa Dowding and I’m seriously impressed. She nails every aspect of story: Character, setting, plot and pace. She is one of those magical writers with the gift of giving you the visual of the story. I can see Firefly and the people around her.

The characters are incredibly believable and their development for you the reader is unexpected, like when you first meet a person and then slowly get to know them.

Chapters are pity and perfect and just brilliant. Each conclusion should be obvious but it isn’t, it is exciting and unexpected, but logical.

This story made me think and feel.

It will definitely be added to my library.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was such an uplifting and feel good story. Firefly is a young girl who lives a good part of her life on the street because of a chaotic home life. She is apprehended and her aunt takes over raising her. Aunt Gayle owns a costume shop and Firefly takes to wearing various costumes from the collection to school. Firefly adjusts to her new safe environment and develops new relationships.

[Gabriele Goldstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great setting and authentic characters left me wondering why I wasn't more engaged in the story. Perhaps my expectations were too high after seeing the GG award on the cover. Or perhaps yet another contemporary YA with yet another dysfunctional mom left me rather impatient and bored. Usually I'd love such a well-written and character-driven novel.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most interesting and well done depictions of mental health I've seen in children's media for a while, because it takes itself very seriously and does a fantastic job at showing what Firefly has been through and is going through while still being approachable. It isn't heavy, it's about moving forward and taking the steps that you are comfortable with, and is something that feels like it's always either brushed past or handled in a way that feels too stereotypical in media for this age group. This is one I would wholeheartedly recommend, Firefly and Gayle are a dream team and I was rooting for them the moment I started.

[Jennifer Yanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book that explores the trauma of a broken hole life. It is a story of hope and love and trust. A story of finding what you didn’t know was lost. These characters will stick with me. It is written in child friendly language that is accessible but real. Well written.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with a lot of heart.

[Valerie Sherrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about a young girl who finds strength, hope and stability through her own unique process. A story of courage and learning to reach out and to trust. Beautiful!

[Michelle Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensitive, moving, funny. Deserving of all the accolades it has received.

[Mary-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a stunningly beautiful book. I am verklempt.

[Gary Braid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Forest of Reading. A great book about empathy and resilience.

[Barn · Rating 1 out of 5]

was s slow-paced book, i couldn't really get into it, it wasn't all that bad, just not my style :)

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this on one down! I really wanted to know what would happen to Firefly. Enjoyed the writing style and the interesting setting. Wish all kids had someone as respectful and caring as Aunt Gayle in their lives.

[rory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is okay. I had too read it for a school book club. It has a good subject but it is not too detailed and is kind of boring.

[JBReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous. Who do you choose to be? I cried. I’ve recommended it to everybody.

[Kay S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant. A sombre and heartfelt story about finding yourself in all of its weirdness and embracing it all.
I zipped through this and loved every minute of it.

[TheIron Paw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a "feel good" middle grade book that chronicles the struggles of an ex-street kid. It contains a nice mix of pathos and humour. A worthwhile read.

[Keelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s 3 stars for me good book,till the end like miss gorl really just said I am done with this book well give me 2 seconds to write the end.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for school and it was better than I thought. I ended up reading it much faster than expected I was never bored when reading Firefly. It was much better than other books my teachers have made me read in past years because it was actually written for kids my age and the main character (Firefly) was around my age.